Feminine and fearless, the world-renowned Everest mountaineer is on a mission to inspire a new generation of Australians to get outdoors – and prove women don't have to sacrifice their femininity to achieve the extraordinary.
By the Wild Women Team
We're thrilled to announce Bianca Adler as our brand-new official Ambassador. Bianca is joining us to issue a powerful wake-up call to young Australians, particularly young women, to step outside their comfort zone, embrace adventure and discover what they're truly capable of.
From Everest to the Fleurieu Peninsula
The youngest Australian woman to summit Mount Everest, Bianca will swap the world's highest peak for South Australia's spectacular Fleurieu Peninsula coastline on 4 September, taking on her first ever Coastrek in a team hiking challenge raising funds for mental health.
And while she's summited Everest's infamous "death zone", there's one endurance challenge she's never attempted.
"I've stood on top of Mount Everest, but I've never walked 50 kilometres in a single day," she said.
"That's why I'm so excited to take on my first Coastrek. It's a completely different endurance challenge, and I can't wait to experience it alongside thousands of other Australians."
Feminine, Fierce and Unapologetically Herself
But Bianca's mission goes far beyond physical endurance. Having famously climbed Mount Everest, she's often seen trekking with her hair in pigtails, brightly painted nails and a signature pink tutu – proving her belief that women should never feel they have to sacrifice their femininity to succeed in traditionally male-dominated pursuits.
"I've never believed you have to stop being feminine to be taken seriously," Bianca said.
"When I climbed Everest, I had pink ice axes, colourful nails and a pink tutu. You can be fierce, adventurous and unapologetically feminine all at once."
"Adventure isn't reserved for elite athletes or extreme adventurers. It's for anyone who's willing to say yes to a challenge."
As our newest Ambassador, Bianca is encouraging Australians to embrace walking as one of the simplest ways to build confidence, resilience and better mental health.
"Come and join me as I train for my first Coastrek. I'll be sharing the highs, the challenges and everything in between."
Hiking for Mental Health
Bianca's appointment comes as we continue our partnership with Beyond Blue, raising vital funds to support the organisation's 24/7 Support Service.
Half of all mental health conditions develop by age 14, and disorders among young people have jumped by nearly 50 per cent in the last 15 years, with young women experiencing the highest levels of psychological distress.
Adler believes the antidote lies in deliberately choosing real-world, screen-free, inconvenient experiences that build genuine resilience.
"We live in a world of constant convenience, but doing hard things makes you a better, stronger person," says Adler. "We have to get the younger generation off their screens and into nature. Spending time outdoors and building healthy habits through walking is one of the most powerful, accessible tools we have for mental wellbeing. Coastrek is the perfect way to start."
A Perfect Fit for the Coastrek Community
Our Founder, Di Westaway OAM, says Bianca is strong, ambitious, feminine and completely herself.
"Bianca is an extraordinary role model. She's shown incredible courage in some of the world's toughest environments, but what inspires us most is her passion for helping others realise they can achieve more than they ever imagined."
"She perfectly represents what Coastrek is all about – challenging yourself, supporting one another, embracing nature and discovering that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things."
Since launching in 2009, we've inspired tens of thousands of Australians to get outdoors, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and raise millions of dollars for charity. Bianca will be documenting her Coastrek training journey across social media in the lead-up to the Fleurieu Peninsula Coastrek on 4 September – we can't wait to have her, and you, on the trail with us.
Ready to take on your own challenge? Register for Coastrek today.
If this raises anything for you, Beyond Blue's 24/7 Support Service is available.
